John 15:13 (Friends)

Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (FB), provided by LIFE Runners (FB).

"No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." John 15:13 (full readings)

Steve's Reflections: This statement by Jesus strikes to the heart for most of us - what more can I give but my life? This would have struck even deeper for the Apostles who were listening to Jesus. Quite often they called him "Master" or "Teacher" when addressing him. This was different. Jesus clarifies further,"No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you" (John 15:15). Jesus has set the boundaries of true friendship - do you tell God everything? Do you speak to him as your best friend? As we look back in scripture there is only one other biblical figure that was called a "friend" of God - Abraham. All others, Moses, Joshua and David, were called "servants" or "slaves of Yahweh." Jesus once again spins the Apostles paradigm on it's head and further reveals the depth of intimacy our Father God seeks with each one of us - our friendship. Jesus starts and ends this Gospel with this command; "Love one another as I love you," and "Love one another."

Faith Challenge: Do you talk to God the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit as a friend? Take the time to talk to God as your best friend each day. Lay all your joys, worries, fears and dreams upon him.

Sr. Francelle's Devotion: End of the World "If you're a Christian who believes the Bible, Jesus clearly says no one knows the hour or the day of the return of Jesus."

Counter-Culture News: LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life, Live Action &gt

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion, Spiritual Adoption, Alpha Center, Peters family (JP). Add Prayers on our website. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, LIFE Runners, etc. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now. >

Feast Day: St. Augustine of Canterbury (d. 605) "Augustine of Canterbury comes across today as a very human saint, one who could suffer like many of us from a failure of nerve...Augustine’s perseverance amidst obstacles and only partial success teaches today’s apostles and pioneers to struggle on despite frustrations and be satisfied with gradual advances."

Faith Quote: "He who would climb to a lofty height must go by steps, not leaps." ~ St. Gregory the Great (written in a letter to St. Augustine of Canterbury)

Through Christ Our Lord,
Steve
Romans 12:2 .

* Pray/Fast: Prayer connects us with God’s will & His miracles, changing us & helping others. Fast from things that take your eyes off Jesus. Those who pray together stay together, and close to God!
* Save Unborn (& family): Abortion reality (images)…#1 death cause (23% pregnancies). Prov 24:11 & Jer 1:5. “A great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish.” Mother Teresa.
* Evangelize:Make room for unbelievers & re-evangelization of self, by way of prayer (relationship) and following Christ’s example of love (service/sacrifice/mercy). Matt 28:19.

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